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You would be naked if not for Nigerians – Sagay fires back at Senate

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Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, PACAC, Professor Itse Sagay, has reacted to a statement against him by the Senate.

He mocked the federal lawmakers, saying Nigerians buy clothes they wear.

Sagay further advised them to learn how to take criticisms in good faith.

Sagay insisted that he would not stop criticizing members of the National Assembly for their expenditure, which he said was adversely affecting the economy.

His words: “I criticize them for the huge amount of money they are taking out of the country.

“They are creating a situation in which Nigeria does not have enough funds; we have kidnapping, there is Boko Haram, we have militants, armed robbery and so on.

“That is basically what I said. I spoke the truth. They have wardrobe allowance, in other words, we are the ones buying clothes for them to wear.

“When they arrived Abuja, were they naked? What is their problem?”

The legal luminary had lamented that National Assembly allocated N125 billion to themselves alone this year and that while the United States President earns $400,000 per annum, a Nigerian senator earns over $1.7 million.

Sagay said besides a basic salary of N2.4 million per month, they earn allowances such as hardship (50 percent of basic salary), newspaper allowance (50 percent), wardrobe allowance (25 percent), entertainment (30 percent), recess (10 percent), and leave (10 percent), among others.

The total allowances, he said, amounts to N29.5 million per month and N3.2 billion per annum.

“Perhaps the most notorious example of the legislators’ resistance to the war against corruption is the rejection of the right of the executive to choose the persons who will spearhead that struggle,” he added.

“The clear impression is created that Nigerian legislators are in office for themselves and not for the populace.”

“Not surprisingly, the National Assembly has not passed a single bill for the promotion of anti-corruption war since it commenced business in July 2015.”

On Thursday, Senate lambasted the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Its spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullah, said“Sagay could not even check the records before proclaiming that ‘the National Assembly has not passed a single bill for the promotion of anti-corruption war since it commenced business in July 2015’.

“This man talks like a man who is constantly under the influence of some substance and perhaps possessed as he employs the language of a tout with no civility. He is probably constantly excited and incensed by the fact of having his first opportunity to find himself in the corridors of power.

“He pontificates and talks as if the war against corruption of the Buhari administration depends solely on him to survive. He once publicly attacked the Attorney General of the Federation and accused him of not doing enough to prosecute the war.

“This is a man who cannot stand for councillorship election and win. We challenge him to state what his contributions are in the election of our amiable President, Muhammadu Buhari, and what new ideas he has contributed to making the fight against corruption more effective since his appointment.

“With an easily excited man like him as head of an advisory body, the nation has continued to lose anti-corruption cases in courts due to the failure of his advice. He needs to do more work and talk less because media prosecution cannot win the war on corruption.”

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Politics

2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

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A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

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Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

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The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

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Oyo South market men, women back Oseni, Tinubu, hail N90m support

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Market men and women across Oyo South Senatorial District have declared support for the senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the district, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, and reaffirmed their backing for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The traders said their endorsement was driven by the lawmaker’s sustained grassroots interventions and what they described as his people-centred representation.

‎The endorsement came on Monday during an interactive engagement in Ibadan with market stakeholders drawn from the nine local government areas of the senatorial district.

At the event, Oseni supported market men and women across the district with N90 million, with each of the nine local government areas receiving N10 million to boost petty trading, expand businesses and stimulate grassroots economic activity.

‎In a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker said the intervention was part of efforts to improve livelihoods and deepen economic inclusion, particularly among small-scale traders.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said empowering market operators remained central to his development agenda.

‎He said markets remained the heartbeat of local communities, noting that traders’ resilience continues to sustain families and drive local economies.

“This intervention is aimed at strengthening their businesses, easing economic pressure and encouraging enterprise at the grassroots,” he said.

The APC chieftain added that his representation would continue to focus on practical interventions with visible impact.

‎“Leadership must translate into visible impact. I remain committed to initiatives that support small businesses, create opportunities for growth and complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Oseni also canvassed support for President Tinubu among traders in Oyo South, saying stronger alignment between federal, state, senatorial and local government leadership would accelerate development in the state.

‎He listed the Tinubu administration’s initiatives to include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND, measures to curb industrial actions in tertiary institutions, tuition-free technical colleges, construction and rehabilitation of major highways, agricultural support programmes and subsidies for cancer treatment, fuel subsidy removal, which he noted has boosted state and local government revenues.

‎He urged traders to mobilise support for APC candidates in the next general elections, expressing confidence that Tinubu’s re-election would further improve residents’ welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Coordinator of Market Men and Women in Oyo South Senatorial District and Babaloja of Omi-Adio and Ido Local Government, Chief Odedele Waheed, commended the turnout and described the engagement as a demonstration of confidence in Oseni’s leadership.

He lauded the lawmaker for sustained grassroots development efforts, noting that the N90 million support would strengthen businesses across the district.

‎Odedele also commended the leadership of market men and women in Oyo State for granting traders approval to meet and interact with the lawmaker, saying the platform allowed them to express concerns and understand his vision for Oyo South.

The traders pledged to mobilise support across markets in the district in favour of Oseni’s electoral bid and President Tinubu’s re-election.

‎Those present included the Babaloja of Ibadan North East, Ibrahim Balogun; Babaloja of Ibadan South West, Rafiu Iyo; Babaloja of Ibadan North West, Alhaji Tajudeen Hammed; Alhaji Abdulraman Salawudeen; Asiwaju Oloja of Ibarapa Zone, Chief Okanlawon John Adebisi; Babaloja of Ibadan North, Chief Adewole Basirat; and Iyaloja of Ibarapa Central, Chief Ige Fausat, among others.

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